News

Islanders News

JIGGS TO EMCEE 1980 CUP REUNION

by
Staff Writer
/ New York Islanders

Legendary broadcaster to make Coliseum return

Legendary Islanders play-by-play man Jiggs McDonald, the Hall of Fame broadcaster most closely associated with the Islanders dynasty, will return to the Coliseum to serve as Master of Ceremonies for the 1980 Stanley Cup team reunion on March 4.

"It will be an honor for me to be there," Jiggs said this morning. "I'm sure it's going to be an unforgettable night."

The ceremony, presented by Modell's and Newsday, will begin at 7:00 pm, followed by the regular season matchup between the 2005-06 Islanders and Philadelphia Flyers. In addition to the 1980 team, the Stanley Cup will also be in attendance at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

"For everything the 1979-80 Islanders did for Long Island, our franchise and our fans, we're putting together something special for this amazing team," said Islanders general manager Mike Milbury. "For our fans, it will be a night to remember. For Bill Torrey, coach Al Arbour, captain Denis Potvin and the rest of the team, our goal is give them a weekend they will never forget."

Said Bill Torrey, the general manager of the Islanders dynasty:"We're humbled that the Islanders are rolling out the red carpet to honor us. I have no doubt it will be a memorable weekend for us to be together as a team again. But we especially look forward to seeing all the fans. This night is every bit as much about them as it is about us."

The Islanders have sent out invitations to the 28 men listed on the 1980 Stanley Cup. The list includes Hall of Famers Torrey, Arbour, Potvin, Mike Bossy, Bryan Trottier, Clark Gillies and Billy Smith; fan favorites such as Bobby Nystrom, Garry Howatt, Dave Langevin, Stefan Persson, Ken Morrow and Duane Sutter. Also included are unsung heroes such as assistant coach Bill MacMillan, trainer Ron Waske and equipment manager Jim Pickard.

"The fans on Long Island and that team that won the first four of 19 consecutive playoff series will forever have a place in my heart," said Denis Potvin, the captain of all four Islanders Stanley Cup teams. "I'm really looking forward to it. We don't get together as a team nearly as much as we'd like. This is going to be a wonderful time for us and for the fans as well."

Islanders full season subscribers will receive an added treat. Season subscribers are invited to the Islanders' morning skate on March 4, followed by an introduction of the 1980 team, sneak preview of that night's ceremony, plus a meet-and-greet with the legends.

Tickets are still available for the March 4 game between the Islanders and Flyers, preceded by the celebration of the 1980 Stanley Cup team. Tickets are available at the Coliseum box office, TicketMaster or by contacting the Islanders at 1.800.882.ISLES.